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In the heart of the bustling corridor of North Avenue and Sheffield in Lincoln Park, lies a hidden oasis for relaxation and therapeutic massage. Located on the lower level, Urban Oasis is a thoughtfully appointed space featuring a peaceful color and texture scheme and comfortable, minimalist surroundings, which are accented by traditional Japanese sogi screens, candles, gentle woodland fragrances and meditative music. As I entered the Zen-like spa, I was warmly welcomed and offered my choice of complimentary natural fruit juice or herbal tea. I was then escorted to a private changing room (a nice alternative to a bright and shared locker room) and given a spa kimono and sandals in exchange for my winter boots and coat. I opted for a traditional Swedish massage to give my back, shoulders and neck some much-needed soothing. Using varying degrees of pressure, the massage therapist utilized not just his hands but his forearms to target my trouble spots. No kneading, just traditional slow deep pressure around each vertebrae, which contrary to popular belief is more beneficial to the spine and muscles. He used a dry oil (it sounds like a contradiction, but truly this exclusive oil made by Biotone left no greasy residue) in long deep strokes to "further manipulate the soft tissue, increase blood and lymph circulation, enhance range of motion and ultimately calm the nervous system and reduce stress." Once treatments are completed, clients are offered the option of using the spa's individual showering rooms which feature special 12-inch rain shower heads with steam and body sprays. For those who are expecting, Urban Oasis offers Pre-Natal Massages, specially formulated to soothe the pregnant woman's unique body aches. The spa features 12 certified prenatal therapists and five special tables for clients' bellies. A large hole is cut out of the center of the table while an elastic safety belt firmly holds the belly in place during treatment. Prenatal Massage can also be conducted in the "sideline" position using body pillows. Expectant mothers should check with their doctor before receiving a massage. Urban Oasis features several variations of massage including Swedish/Esalen, Deep Muscle Therapy, Hot Stone, Sports, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Thai, Reiki and Salt Glow. The spa also sells the products used during massages as well as soaps, shampoos and those heavenly spa sandals. Urban Oasis is really a quite simple spa, but at this urban escape simplicity goes a long way. Click here for Spa/Salon prices, services, hours and more. Click
here to receive a coupon for 10% off all massages
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